A NUMBER of well known names from the sports world will take part in the annual Wooden Spoon charity golf day next week.

Olympians Roger Black MBE and Steve Backley OBE will be joined by World Superbike rider Leon Haslam and ex-motorcycle racer Jeremy McWilliams.

Boxing legend John H Stracey, footballers John Hendrie, Dean Windass, Duncan McKenzie and Craig Hignett and rugby star Frank Myler will also take part.  

Ian Forrest, secretary for Wooden Spoon Isle of Man, said: "We are very much looking forward to the event this year and have had great support from the local community.

"Each year we are delighted to welcome many international sporting stars and this year is no exception.

"We would like to thank our new sponsor Celton Manx for its valuable support this year and I hope that our fundraising efforts are more successful than ever."

Returning to the Island this year will also be sports impressionist and comedian Aaron James, vocalists Paul McCoy and Danny Roman along with international comedian Stan Boardman who is in his fifth year of hosting the event.

So far the golfing event has raised more than £120,000 for local charities. Money raised has provided a children’s playground at Rebecca House Hospice and activity rooms at the Project 21 centre.

Bill Mummery, Celton Manx executive director, said: ‘We are delighted to be involved with the Wooden Spoon charity golf day.

"Wooden Spoon is a fantastic children’s charity which has completed a number of valuable projects on the Island for local children.

"Celton Manx is committed to supporting our local community through events such as this charity golf day and I am very much looking forward to it."

The Wooden Spoon charity will be held at Castletown Golf Links on Tuesday, May 17.

Pictures by Bill Dale